WALTHAM, Mass. – The defending Atlantic Hockey champions Bentley Falcons held their first on-ice practice of the 2025-26 season at Bentley Arena on Wednesday afternoon.

Head coach Andy Jones, now entering his third season leading the program, has a group of 31 players. Senior Stephen Castagna will wear the C on his jersey as team captain after being an assistant captain the last two years.

Of the 31 players, 20 return from last season's squad that won the AHA championship for the first time in program history. There are 11 newcomers.

Castagna is the leading returning scorer (25 points last season), followed by Ryan Mansfield (18 points) and Kellan Hjartarson and Oskar Bakkevig (16 points).

Some notable dates before the season officially begins are Sept. 10 when the AHA preseason poll and preseason All-Conference teams are released. On Saturday, Oct. 4 the Falcons will host Simon Fraser in an exhibition game at Bentley Arena.

The season then begins in earnest with a trip to Colorado on Oct. 10 and 11 that will see Bentley take on Colorado College and the University of Denver.

The home opener is on Oct. 24 against Canisius in the first game of a weekend series at Bentley Arena.